I'm not crazy...I'm just bored!!

Staying up late has it's consequences at 6AM when the alarm goes off, especially when you just put baby back to bed 15 minutes before. So, off to the 90 minute gym escapade.

45 min @ L12 on the elliptical = 4.0 miles

45 min on the TM = 5.15 miles which is an AP of 8:45. First 3 miles were @ 8:57 then I just kept dropping it down when I would get bored. I sprinted the last 60 seconds at 7:03 mile. Felt good!

I'm contemplating something and would like some input, if anyone has any. When I'm on the elliptical I feel like my cardio is a LOT higher than when I run, but my legs don't feel the pounding and don't get tired. So, am I running too slow? Because when I run my legs just get tired when I go at a faster pace. Even the 7:03 for the 60 seconds didn't seem cardio wise like the elliptical cardio, so what gives? Are my legs really just that weak?!? How do I get my legs to match my cardio so I can go faster? I'm really perplexed...

I've lost all motivation, not only in running but about every other aspect of life too. It's just been one of those weeks.

So, I did yoga class then 30 min on the bike afterward.

Got a call to deal with little dude at the school (another migrane) with 2 minutes left on the bike, so now the rest of my day has been helping him get back on his feet and back to school.

Too much to do and no time or motivation to get it all done!

Life is just not going my way or handing me an easy plate right now. I'm ornery, frustrated, overbooked, stressed, sleep deprived and COLD! (just to name a few) So, I got to the gym and read on the elliptical. Wish I could sleep through the night and feel rested enough to wake up and run. Wish it was still warm outside and that I didn't have to run on ice and in the dark. Wish it was January 15th and all the crap I have to deal with for end of year stuff was done. Wish my kids would listen to me and do what I ask them to. Wish I didn't have to clean my house and budget money. Wish I didn't have to spend an arm and a leg to show people I appreciate them at Christmas. Wish I could lose weight and eat frogurt all day. Wish I could just curl up with my sweet baby in my arms and read a good book and not feel guilty about it or worry about everything else that was piling up as I sat and didn't get them done. Wish I could run all I wanted and never had to deal with stupid injuries or pain. Wish I could take a vacation and not have to pay for it. Wish life would just slow down for a month or two.

If wishes and buts were candy and nuts...we'd all have a Merry Christmas!

60 min elliptical @ L12 = 6.0 miles

15 min on bike @ L8 = 3.5 miles

Short night and tried to talk myself out of an AM workout, but I got up and got at it...

90 minute spin class (I was a few minutes late, thanks to baby)

3.125 miles on the dizzy track (25 laps). Kept up pretty well with Becca, but when the speedy girl started running Becca went and kicked her trash. I got left behind, but was proud to be running with the speedy girl! The last mile I did start gaining on Becca, just a little, I thought about sprinting the last few laps to catch her, but I was happy in my 'comfortably hard' pace and only poured it on for the very last lap -Becca had stopped at 3 even to grab her ipod so the chase was over :(

On the drive home I kept trying to think of different ways I could get out and run again today. ppbbbttt, nothing will work; however, it gives me hope that I will remember that desire (even after getting up early) and get up Monday, despite any bad sleeping nights, and RUN.

Between baby and a 3 year old barfing I was up at least once an hour between 12 and 8 AM. Another fun night and I wasn't going to run in the dense fog at 6:30 AM (plus, the pattern was falling that baby would wake up at 6:40 and I couldn't leave dad with both kids, it was hard enough for both of us all night). With a sick kid I wasn't welcome at the gym/nursery so I just stayed home, took care of kids and got some work done around here. Tomorrow...hopefully.

Why is it that I'm never tired when it's time to go to bed and can stay up all hours of the night, but when it's time to wake up I feel like I've only slept for an hour and MUST sleep more! Ugghhh, I'm such a night person and I need to get back into the routine of going to bed and getting up early to run, because I love it and miss it!

To the gym again:

60 min on the elliptical @ L13 = 6.1 miles

3.1 miles on the TM at 8:40 AP. Started at an 8:57, then after almost a mile upped the incline and speed. Felt good and steady, not too hard at all. Finished the last .25 mile at 7:30mm pace on same incline. Still felt good, like I could've held it for quite some time. I'm still perplexed by the difference in HR and effort between running and elliptical.

Another fun night in my house! Went to put baby down to bed and he threw up ALL over me. Since he was swaddled in a blanked he missed most of the action, but the blanked and I had seen better days. So, now my 5 month old baby has the stomach flu like my 3 year old did 2 days ago. Problem is baby can't sit and watch TV all day while I get things done and he's not sleeping much at all. Can't blame him though, hungry but with a sick belly and not wanting to eat (which is another painful thing for ME, we'll have bottles on reserve in the freezer now). So, again I couldn't leave early in the morning (although I was up) to run, even though I'd only gotten maybe 30-45 minutes of continuous sleep, because I didn't want to leave him with dad while he wasn't sleeping (not that he wouldn't have helped, but he has to put in more than a full day's work today).  I also can't go to the gym with a sick baby so I'm stuck at home twiddling my thumbs. I'm getting a little anxious though, so I may try to sneak off tonight after the kids are in bed and get to the gym for a little run. 

I don't know why life is handing me these cards right now. I'm busy and stressed and I need my runs, but I can't seem to get them in lately. I guess there is a time and season for everything, right? So I'm going to spend this day snuggling with baby and the few minutes he'll sleep without being held I'll try to get stuff done around the house. The real question is...who is next? I hope it's NOT me! (hahahaha, laughs karma)

Despite being tired and getting up at 2 and 4 I HAD to get out this morning, and I'm glad I did. It took me a lot longer than it used to to get out the door, but I got out without a hitch.

Plan was to run 6-8 miles, took off and decided to do my 'sunny side up' route. Downhill there and at the end, but hills in the middle. Then when I got back to my 'hood I decided to add another mile on the end and finished off with seven. Nice morning, but I  stayed on busier roads most of the time so it wasn't too peaceful. I was reminded why I don't like to run on busy roads in the dark many times. Eye contact with drivers turning R in front of you is the only way to do it!

AP: 8:59 splits: 8:26, 8:24, 9:27, 9:41, 9:23, 8:52, 8:58, 7:34 (last .2)

Great morning run, but now I get to miss yoga thanks to primary responsibilities...blah! I guess I'll have to do p90X yoga with hubby tonight.

I think I need to do this more often! :)

It took a lot of convincing this morning, but I did it! I got up AGAIN and ran outside. It was really hard after getting 6 hours straight of sleep, it's been a long time since that happened and I wanted to just keep sleeping :)

On my way out the door (it took me forever to get ready so I was a little behind as it was), hubby told me he was going to his office clear across town. This gave me 30 minutes to be back home :( So, I asked him if I could do at least 5 (I was planning my 7 mile route) and he said that would be fine. I guess this should've motivated me to run faster, but it didn't. Felt nice and comfortable the whole time - even on the hills. Took me a tad longer than anticipated, but meh...it's all good!

AP: 9:25 splits: 9:58, 9:11, 8:55, 9:14, 9:48

Some good splits in the middle. The whole back side of my R leg (hamstring area, especially up near the hip) feels like it's in a cramp or a torn muscle *blah* so it took a while to warm up. I will be stretching and rolling to get it out of me!!

Now I get to go off to the gym and if I'm luck do a killer workout with Kelli and Wendy!

***I was a little late, but caught Kelli and Wendy as they were just starting. They had a great workout and I'm glad I wasn't lazy and got up to do my miles so I could do it with them and not watch them! All major muscle groups some sets with the ball, which is always fun.

I got called away in the middle for a diaper change, and as luck would have it I'd brought the diaper changer bag  IN to the gym so I didn't have to go outside. Hahaha, just kidding...no diapers inside, just wipes and diaper bags - nice! I begged the only other person with a baby there for diapers so I didn't have to go home or to the store and buy some, she was nice enough to let me use one even though SHE had to go out to her car and get it.

So, I finished up the workout then did the stuff I'd missed and added some ab's on to the end then did 30 min on the elliptical @ L15 = 2.95 miles, SO close!

Good workout today, I'm ready now to tackle Saturday and hopefully get a full good week in next week! Onward and Upward***

Today is my turn...headache and nausea, y e a

After 3 days of getting no more than 2 consecutive hours of sleep at night I'm done... tired and done. 

I needed my 90 minutes of time 'away' at the gym more than anything (well, other than sleep) this morning, attitude is NOT in the right place. Even formulated a 'good-bye' post in my head about how I no longer deserve to be called a runner and have no business being apart of a site for runners. Be glad I had 90 minutes and a good run for some therapy this morning!

40 min on the elliptical (I need to finish reading this book so I can do more TM miles when needed) = 4.1 miles @ L13

5 miles in just under 45 minutes on the TM (AP: 8:49) maintained an 8:57 for the first 4 miles then bumped it up to 8:34 for the last mile and the last .25 mile sped things up just to get finished ending at a 6:30 pace.

Please oh please help me find some sleep and sanity tonight!!!

Thanks everyone for your support, I really need(ed) it! I've decided there is a time and season to everything. So, I'm not going to beat myself up over not getting up early to run if I don't. I will give myself a '2 wake' rule: If I wake up more than 2 times before my alarm goes off to get up and run early, I'm NOT doing it and won't stress! Trying to take it all in stride...

I was only up 4 times last night, so a bit of improvement :)

40 minutes on the elliptical 3.7 miles @ L14

5 mile progressive run on the TM @ AP: 8:34 on incline (only 1%, but I usually do .5 so it was double). Started mile 1@8:49, 2 @8:41, 3@8:41, 4@8:34, 5 started @ 8:27 then increased each 1/4 mile and the last 1/4 increased every .05 mile to end at 7:30mm AP for last mile was 8:08.

I always feel SO  much better after the run! I've also decided 8:13 is a 'comfortably hard' pace for me right now on that incline, didn't feel rough at all until I hit that one.

So, again only up 4X last night. I'm getting more used to it, although it is still difficult to get up in the morning!

Same deal as the last couple days: 40 min on the elliptical 3.9miles @ L14 to get some reading in.

5.0 miles on the TM @ AP of 8:30mm. First 4 miles were at a steady 8:41 then the last mile I increased the speed to 8:27 for the first .25 mile then increased .2mph every quarter until the last one and I did .1mph every .05 mile. Ending at 7:30mm. Felt good and had a nice chat with Kelli for the majority of the time, which always makes time fly!

Got up early to run, because I wanted to do yoga for gym time. I'm getting more used to the no sleep and getting up was easier, even though I still hit snooze and it seemed like wandering around as I got ready. Planned on a 7 mile run, but ran out of time before I even left. I knew I'd be able to get 5 in though, so I stayed steady in my 5/day. 

It was holy cold this morning. I swear every fat cell in my thighs and butt were frozen solid!! I thought for sure if you took a hammer to them they would shatter (wishful thinking, I guess). It's a lot harder to run in the cold than I remembered, what I thought was a normal sub 9 pace came out to be more like a 9:30 - kind of disappointing, but I was out and running! It did make me a little nervous that Painter's is going to be a disaster, but oh well - time and season, right?

AP: 9:04 splits: 9:49, 8:48, 8:31, 8:52, 9:19

yoga afterward and then 30 min on the recumbent bike to read and finish out day care time.

After a fun, but LATE Christmas party for hubby's work I just knew getting up was out of the question. Went to the gym for the same 'ol workout. However, I'm finally almost to the end of my book which will equal more TM time here soon :)

40 min @ L14 on the elliptical = 3.8 miles

5 miles on the TM @ 8:55 AP on regular incline. I was chatting with a friend while running and I didn't even realize how far I'd gone until I looked and it was 4.73 miles! Love a good chat that makes you forget how hard you're working. So, I sped up from 8:57 mm to 8:34 for the last 1/4 mile, but that was it.

Got up to go to spin class and with the snow it was SLOW going, so I was 15 minutes late, but still had a great class. Then headed off for some outdoor miles!

Went to Smooth's house and we decided it would be better to do the trail with newly fallen snow than getting splashed with slush on the busy streets, so we headed down to the JRP.  It was nice to run on the newly fallen snow, but it made it slow going. It is a lot harder to run in 4 inches of snow than you'd think it should be; however, I had wonderful company and had an amazing time! I KNOW I wouldn't have done the miles if I didn't have Smooth there, I probably would've done 6 or so on the indoor track and called it good. I love Smooth! I wish I lived in her neighborhood and could run with her everyday!

I left my garmin at home, so when/if Smooth posts splits I can do it then. I'm sure the pace was over 10mm, but it felt more like a 9 or sub effort because of the snow. Even though we seemed to be FLYING down the trail SO fast the the hunters thought we were ducks and started shooting at us! Always an adventure - trail blazing through the park to find the path, sloshy shoes and getting shot at by the lake, fun times, good miles and GREAT company! Thanks SO SO much Smooth, I needed this run more than I think you know!

Still no end in sight on the sleeping front except to say I'm getting used to it!

Went to the gym, and since I finished my book I had more time on the TM. So, it was only 30 min on the elliptical (now I need to catch up on RW). L12 for 3.0 miles.

Headed to the TM for 6 miles. Finished a 10K in 52:50 for an AP of 8:31, I did a progressive run mile 1: 8:57; 2: 8:49; 3: 8:41; 4: 8:34, 5: 8:27; 6: 7:57 - went .1mph up every 1/4 mile then 6.0-6.1 I did @7:30mm pace and 6.1-6.2 @ 7:00mm - Felt EXCELLENT when I finished.

Okay, so I know this hasn't been my best mileage year, but here is how I'm going to break it down! I need to do 5.8 miles per day (only counting 'running' days) to hit 1000 miles for the year, so I'm going to do it! I MUST - I am determined!

Now off for a fun day of running around - it's my daughter's 10th birthday! Build-a-bear, Rock Creek Pizza and Tangled. Let's just hope the snow eases up for ease of driving. I really don't feel old enough to have a 10 year old...I started when I was 12 :)

I get to take baby to the doctor tomorrow for his 6 month check-up. I'm crossing my fingers for some answers to my sleeping dilemma! 

Shoveled 1/2 the driveway before heading to the gym (so I didn't have tire tracks to deal with). Then did 30 min on the elliptical @ L12 - 3.0 miles.

TM 10K again. AP 8:29 - started first 2 miles @ 8:41, then next 2 @ 8:34, 5th @ 8:27 then 6th I did my normal bump up every 1/4 mile and then 7:30 and 7:00 for the last 2 tenths after 6 to race to the finish. Good workout!

Then I got to come home and finish shoveling which wasn't too bad...until I had to do the stupid road so the mailman can get to the mailbox. The plows never seem to hit the West side of the road, so I end up having to shovel nearly the whole 1/2 of the road 15-20 feet in front of and behind my mailbox so I don't get nasty notes. Blahh! Now I'm just tired and ornery because I missed lunch :( But I did get an excellent upper-body/core workout.

I got it done, that's pretty much all I can say...

6.0 miles in 54:15 on the TM, AP = 9:03. Slower than normal, but given the circumstances I think that is pretty impressive. Then off to the races all day...just got home @ 7:30PM. After a trip to the store for some airborne. Can't take a darn stinkin' stupid dumb thing while you're nursing!!

Oh, and don't expect anything from me tomorrow unless a Christmas Miracle has happened!

What a wonderful morning! Didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to enjoy a nice group run, and now I won't feel so guilty about eating myself sick this afternoon/evening :)

Met some excellent people down at Lehi JRP: Allie, Cal, Chad, Kelli, Smooth, Scott, Slick and of course QP! Had a nice 10 mile jaunt up and down the river trail. I was struggling to chat, because my sickness has overtaken my lung capacity and energy level. But it was nice to have others to chat AT me and keep me entertained. I've missed having such wonderful group runs! I think I would've made it through about 2 miles if it wasn't for everyone else - I do have my pride :)

After we got back to the car, we indulged in some amazing non-caloric, vegan and gluten free donuts and hot chocolate! Oh, and had some excellent conversation! Thanks everyone for coming to the run, I had a wonderful time - a Christmas gift to myself.

AP: 9:16 splits: 9:37, 9:14, 9:08, 9:07, 9:08, 9:31, 9:20, 9:16, 9:23, 9:00

One thing I like about my paces is that despite all being over 9 they are in a progressive pattern. This gives me hope that my TM progressive runs are helping me stay stronger and keep pace over the long haul.

***MERRY CHIRSTMAS***

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday and get to enjoy the fun spirit of the season.

I still can't breathe, but I had to get the miles in! This 1,000 mile goal is really doing a good job of keeping me motivated to run. Not only did I have to get in 6, but I had to do it early because I work today, so I can't put my 'work' in the day care so it was get up early or don't get it in! It's funny, because 6 miles a day is just enough that it's easy to do each day, but if I skip a day it's hard to make it up. I may have to find a goal like this to hit each month!!

Up and at 'em early at the gym. I thought it would be horribly crowded (resolutions starting early), but it was a virtual ghost town - even compared to what it usually is early! So, it was boring but I got it done and got home in time to get a short nap before 'work' came over.

6.2 miles - AP= 9:08. Started with a nice and slow 9:30 for the first couple, 9:13 for the next 2, then 8:57 for the 5th and a progressive 6th (increase every .25) then 6:57 for the .2 over 6 miles.

Met the pirate out at the lake for a couple freezing, early morning loops. It turned out to be a beautiful sunrise that warranted stopping to take pictures. Mother nature created a beautiful send-off! Now that I've gotten up early 2 days in a row I'm wondering if I should try it again tomorrow or be lazy and sleep in....

AP:  9:20 splits: 9:37, 9:22, 9:30, 9:01, 9:02, 9:28, 9:12 (last .2)

Then I hit the gym while my spoiled daughter got to go to Kneaders all you can eat French Toast breakfast! I crashed Kelli's workout group and it ended up being a VERY good workout.

The rest of the day was filled with fun and family!! I'm gonna miss this....

I can actually record my sleep, because last night I got 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep!! It was heavenly. After 4AM the normal cycle started, but I got good sleep until then. 

Decided to sleep in and run during boot camp, which was a good decision because the regular teacher wasn't there and I would've been ticked off if I'd made the effort to get to class and had a substitute. I slept in as long as I could, until my neighbor needed me to come jump start her car. Got up and going, albeit slowly, and when I got to the gym there was one TM left - positioned perfectly between Kelli and Amy! I AM the lucky girl today!

Those 6 miles on the TM felt like H$%%!! I feel better and am coughing less, but my body is still recovering and my breathing is CRAP. Oh well, I got them in. If it wasn't for this 1000 mile goal I would be on the elliptical or sleeping in. I'm SO glad I have this goal to keep me consistent. The pace was slow as molasses, but I got it done. Had to stop talking the last 1/2 mile as I sped up, but it was nice to have it over and done with.

AP: 9:33 did a progressive run, but started at a 9:40 ish pace. Didn't get below 9:13 until the last mile. Sprinted (haha) out the .2 to the end at 7:30 - then hacked up a lung when I finished. I did actually run until .3 on the TM because I had jumped off enough times to drink that I had to make up a full tenth of a mile! Man, I feel like a slacker... I hope this cold/flu thing goes away before Painter's or I am going to be struggling!

Came home and had to shovel THE heaviest 5 inches of packing snow ever! It felt like 18 inches. I was SO exhausted by the time I was done, I came in and snuggled baby on the couch, drank chocolate milk and played couch potato for the rest of the afternoon! I'm going to be sore, again....

Oh how I love yoga, but not waking up early to run so that I can GO to yoga at the gym. I laid in bed contemplating how I could get out of having to get up and run: skip yoga, run a few before and a few after, Do an extra long run tomorrow...c'mon think! think! think! Couldn't come up with a good alternative, so I got my lazy butt out of bed and went to the gym to run on the TM.

The miles were MUCH easier than yesterday and the paces were a tad faster, so I'm taking this as a good sign that my body is starting to recover. There were people to watch at the gym, but no one on a TM to chat with :( But thankfully I'd remembered my ipod and it kept me entertained.

AP: 9:18 Started a@ 9:31 for 2 miles, then 9:22 for one then 9:13 for 2, then I started mile 6@ 8:57 and worked my way faster every .15 or so and ended at 7:30 for the last .1 of the run. Another good progressive run!

Went home, showered, grabbed the baby (hubby left for work) and ran back to the gym for yoga. I was SO tired I kept nearly falling over and/or fainting. Similar thing yesterday on the bike and shoveling snow. I don't know what is wrong with me, I guess I'm just exhausted! It was a good class though and I really needed some of that stretching and workout. Wendy is the BEST yoga teacher around!

Had to get up early, because I was working @ 8:30 this morning (I'm a little ticked she isn't here now and it's 9:45!! UGGHHH!!) Anyway, I got my 1000 in and some to spare! I felt SO good this morning, it's been a long time since I've felt good on a TM run. I was also able to keep the pace a little better today. I don't know splits, because I went by songs on my ipod and didn't look at the TM until almost 4 miles. AP was 8:57 - very happy to see the paces falling under 9mm again and it not feeling like death!! It was a progressive run, starting at 9:22 then the last mile starting at 8:34 and the last .2 @ 7:30, it didn't even feel all that hard today - yay!

So, now to get my stated goal for 2011 - I'm going for 2011 miles! I know I can do it - consistency! 40 mile weeks, easy cheesy! 6/day and then 10 on Saturday as a min week, that is a nice, easy goal for me to handle and it is VERY doable as well! So, I'm going to start tomorrow off by running 11 miles and get those out of the way, then I can start my weeks out on Monday towards the 2000!

Happy New Year everyone!

(oh, as a side note, one thing I've decided I like about watching Sports Center on the TV while I run -its the ONLY option! is that when I'm watching plays where the athletes are running fast down the field/court I feel like I run harder to help them :) It was funny when I realized myself doing this today. I was more 'into' sports center than I have been in a long time, obviously).